The human immune system is diverse on both genotypic and phenotypic level. This diversity is crucial for a robust and adaptable immune response. But our immune systems also differ fundamentally depending on our sex, age, and the environmental influences to which we are exposed. Accordingly, immune diversity was at the core of this years event, celebrating the anual "Day of Immunology. More than 30 ImmunoSensation2 scientists were on hand in the Bonn city center, to discuss current immunological research with the public.
Can people age healthily? How does the menstrual cycle affect the immune system? How does AI help to create new proteins? And how can we support the immune system in fighting tumors? These were the key topics presented in the science tent on the Bonn market square last saturday. From 10:00 am to 06:00 pm, everyone interested was invited to the ImmunoSensation2 science tent. Researchers from the University of Bonn, the UKB and the DZNE presented selected research topics on rollups and discussed the scope and perspectice of the immunological research done in Bonn with the public. In addition, representatives of the 3R Competence Network NRW and the non-profit organization Pro-Test Germany were on site to talk about the use of and alternatives to laboratory animals in basic biomedical research, which was recieved with great interest.
A deep dive into immunology
After entering the science tent, visitors were first given an overview of the research objectives and activities of the Cluster of Excellence. From here, a path opened up along exciting research projects, leading once around the walk-in model of a human brain. How age, nutrition and environmental pollution may impact immune functions was introduced by scientists from the group of Prof. Lorenzo Bonaguro (DZNE). Researchers from the group of PD. Dr. Gregor Hagelüken (Institute of Structural Biology / UKB) and Prof. Michael Hölzel (Institute of Experimental Oncology / UKB) joined forces to give insights into the potentials AI-technology offers for the design of new proteins for research and clinical application. And the approach of repurposing of existing medication for new applications was presented by the group of Prof. Aleksandra Pandyra (Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology / UKB).
At the end of the tour, two hands-on stations awaited the visitors. Under the guidance of scientists, guests of all ages were able to assign bacteria and fungal cultures to different origins, such as the soles of shoes or unwashed hands. However, the experiment to isolate DNA from a piece of banana using soap, salt and a coffee filter generated the most enthusiasm.
An oversized, walk-in uterus model dominated the interior of the science tent this year. Visually, the centerpiece of the female reproductive tract was not only interesting for children and adults alike, but also served as a figurehead for the Bonn Femmunity Study. The project of Dr. Tal Pecht (DZNE) and Prof. Dr. Marie-Christine Simon (Institute of Nutritional and Food Sciences / Bonn University) focuses on changes in the immune system and the microbiome of women depending on the menstrual cycle. Scientists from the study provided information about the methods and aims of the study, both in the science tent and during the talks given in the afternoon at P26.
scientific talks at the house of knowledge
The open house of knowledge of Bonn University, P26, was the new location for public talks on selected topics. This year, the series was opened by Jun. Prof. Swantje Liedmann (Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology / UKB). Liedmann introduced the audience to the principles of epigenetics and the impact of environmental factors on our inheritance. In the KOMM-Study the researcher investigates epigenetic patterns on DNA of sperm from regional donors. The study aims to clearify which epigenetic modifications are inherited and whether our environment might change the immune system of the next generations.
A humoristic view on the potential and shortcomings of artificial intelligence was presented by PhD candidate Marc Vaisband. The junior researcher from the lab of Prof. Jan Hasenauer (LIMES / Bonn University) is interested in possible usecases of AI in medical aplications.
The aforementioned Femmunity Study was presented by two researchers from the group of Dr. Tal Pecht (DZNE). PhD candidates Johanna Franz and Pia Grundschöttel gave an insight into the physiology of the menstrual cycle and emphasized the possibilities offered by the use of menstrual blood for diagnostic purposes.
The event concluded with an exciting presentation that led back to the influence of environmental factors on the human immune system. Jacqueline Leidner, Sophie Lindenberg and Nico Henschel from the group of Prof. Lorenzo Bonaguro (DZNE) presented their research questions. In their projects, the three PhD candidates are investigating the influence of age, nutrition and environmental chemicals on immune functions, respectively.
Contact
Dr. David Fußhöller
Science Communication & Public Relations Officer
ImmunoSensation2
mail: david.fusshoeller@uni-bonn.de
phone: +49 228 28751281
